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Clarke A, Mannette J, Hamilton-Hinch B, Lynch M, Williams P, Grant S, Joy P. The Cost of a Nutritious Diet for Households Including People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nova Scotia: Findings and Lessons Learned by FoodNOW 2020 to 2022. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2023; 84:98-106. [PMID: 36876852 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2022-037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: FoodNOW (Food to eNhance Our Wellness) engaged in assessment of simulated households that include a person living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nova Scotia to determine if a basic nutritious diet is affordable.Methods: We used supermarket websites to cost food and beverage items listed in the National Nutritious Food Basket (NNFB) for simulated households, each with a PLWHA. Food costing methodologies were co-developed and adapted with community members in response to barriers presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: We found that simulated households, each with one PLWHA, that had a potential deficit after monthly expenses were a household of four on Income Assistance (-$1,058.70), a lone mother with two children on Income Assistance (-$973.65), a lone man on Income Assistance (-$677.40), and a household of four with one minimum-wage earner (-$383.45).Conclusions: Nova Scotia households with a PLWHA living on Income Assistance or with a minimum-wage earner cannot reasonably afford a nutritious diet in addition to basic household expenses. Using these food costing data can allow dietitians to efficiently inform government action and policy change to improve the health and wellness of individuals and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Clarke
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jessica Mannette
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Barb Hamilton-Hinch
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mary Lynch
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Founder (Pain Medicine), The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Shannan Grant
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Departments Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Departments Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Phillip Joy
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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